President Donald Trump says the United States has reached an advanced stage of negotiations with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Control of the strategic waterway has been contested since the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel broke out in February, with diplomatic efforts stalled for months.
Trump had earlier warned that the strait would remain “sealed up tight” until Iran agreed to a deal with the United States.
The blockade of the channel has disrupted global oil supply chains, sending crude prices soaring and forcing several countries to adopt strict energy conservation measures.
On April 27, Iran proposed a new agreement to Washington, offering to reopen the vital shipping waterway and end the war if the United States lifted its blockade on the passage.
The deal, passed to the Americans by Pakistan, also postpones nuclear negotiations for a later stage.
However, it was uncertain at the time if Trump would accept the offer, as curbing Iran’s uranium enrichment is one of the US leader’s war goals.
In a statement on Sunday, Trump said an agreement has now been “largely negotiated” between the United States, Iran and several Middle Eastern allies, with final details under discussion.
“I am in the Oval Office at the White House where we just had a very good call with leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all things related to a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social page.
“An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries.”
The US president added that he separately spoke with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, noting that the conversation “likewise, went very well”.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump said.
“In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.”
